Chapter 20: Nothing Lasts Forever

Lyra's POV 

Saana and I were startled when two guards barged into our room, followed by Anya.

Saana shot up from her bed.

“What's going on?" She demanded.

The first guard cast a scornful look her way, and she went furious.

“What if we were inappropriately dressed? Where's the respect for our dignity?!" 

The guards were silent, picking up Anya's personal luggage one after another.

Saana didn't seem surprised, but I was. Then, as they had come in, they left like a whirlwind. I turned to Saana.

“Did you know about that? You didn't seem too surprised." 

Saana nodded. “Surprised, not in the least; but very angry that we weren't deemed worthy of the tiniest bit of respect." 

I shrugged. “We're Omegas after all; no one cares. We're just…commodities.” I looked at Saana, who was still visibly annoyed. "You knew they would come?”

"Of course. That's the way it is with Lady Seraphina. The attraction only captivates the weak of character,” she noted seriously with anger still evident in her voice.

That means she could change her maids as often as she wanted, and still have Omegas dying to enjoy the elevation that comes with working for her. I think I could see the picture vaguely. There was a rivalry brewing somewhere, and it would be nasty.

The triangle rang, but it wasn't dinner time yet. Saana and I left the room in a rush.

What's happening?

All Omegas were assembled in the kitchen.

What was up?

I looked up at Saana's face, but she looked just as confused.

Madam Rosalia and Miss Fae stood on the raised platform at the beginning of the room.

"The Alpha will throw a banquet tomorrow evening, and all the nobles of the Blackfang Pack will be in attendance. No Omega is allowed to be absent from the banquet, else you risk taking on the Alpha himself!” Madam Rosalia announced.

Miss Fae cleared her throat and stepped forward.

“That said, you may all retire to your rooms. There will be lots of work to do, and you should be well rested by tomorrow,” she announced. 

Saana and I exchanged glances. I searched for Freya with my eyes, and found her trying so hard to hide in plain sight.

“But," Miss Fae continued, “the kitchen staff will not retire just yet. They will prepare dinner, and also begin the arrangements for tomorrow's banquet." 

There was a hushed silence in the kitchen.

“You are dismissed," Madam Rosalia announced.

Saana and I walked side by side at a relaxed pace. Other Omegas seemed to be running past us.

“Why do you look so worried?" I asked her.

She shook her head.

“I'm not worried; I just know that there will be a hunting game in the early part of tomorrow." 

I nodded, taking in that piece of information.

“But that's not a bad thing in itself," I remarked.

Saana chuckled. “It's not. Until you realize that you will be joining the Alpha and his Beta on their hunting spree." 

That's when it dawned on me. I hadn't gotten my wolf yet; I'd never killed game for myself, or anyone else. Mother got us rabbits some evenings, but I never tried hunting.

“Is there a reward for the person with the biggest kill?" I asked Saana.

She gave me a tight smile.

“Yes. You get to eat at the Alpha's table. He has a separate table from the other nobles during a banquet such as this." 

My mind was already beginning to conceive the possibility of sitting at the same table with the Alpha and his Beta.

That should show Anya that I'm not a weakling; and that though I do not have fancy dresses on, my position mattered more than hers. A sly smile played at the corner of my lips.

“What's that smile?" Saana's voice cut into my thoughts. Then a full-on smirk appeared on her face.

“Are you thinking of the Alpha?" 

The question shocked me a little, causing me to jerk. 

“No!" I spat, shaking my head strongly for emphasis. “I wasn't thinking of him; not in that way." 

A strange light flashed in Saana's eyes, but it wasn't a malicious one. She burst into laughter.

“Let's head back to our room; we'll talk about you, and your Alpha." 

My Alpha? My Alpha? Saana could not be more unserious now.

“He is the Alpha; Alpha Kieran." 

“Who happens to be interested in you, Lyra. When will you stop being in denial?” Saana retorted with a hearty laugh.

"This isn't about denial, Saana,” I pushed in my defense.

"Prove it, then.”

I cleared my throat, my head feeling a bit light as I tried to piece up the incident with Alpha Kieran. How could I tell Saana this story without seeming like a bad liar? I blinked hard and focused on her nose.

"I went to see him about the cloak. I misstepped and fell into his arms. Our faces were dangerously close, so I remembered Lady Seraphina's words. I put in a good word for her with the Alpha.” My eyes dropped in shame.

"And what happened next?” Saana urged me on.

"And he kicked me out of his chambers. He hasn't sent for me since, and I do not wish to see him either.” I had to sound tough.

"What about his cloak?” Saana inquired, peering into my eyes, her sapphire blue piercing mine.

Again, it dawned on me that I had to get that cloak and send it back to him.

"I'll get it from the washing area, and take it with me to his chambers when he sends for me in the morning.”

Saana just shrugged and nodded. She turned the doorknob, and we entered the room. Freya was already stretched out on her bed, looking depressed and hopeless. The sight amused me greatly.

“Freya, don't be so miserable. You could become Lady Seraphina's favourite any day; you just have to put your best foot forward. Nothing lasts forever," Saana exhorted.

I was taken aback.

Why was she saying those words to Freya? Was she trying to sow seeds of contempt?

Anya wouldn't buy this, but Freya was certainly falling for it.

“Thank you, Saana. You're too kind. I'm just saddened that she doesn't make time to talk with me and go on our walks like before," Freya acknowledged.

I went about my activities of importance in silence, trying to understand Saana's motives.